Should I workout today?

I’ve been a member at the gym just over a year now.. and it really has been an exciting year! I’ve managed to drop 9% body fat and to lose about 4.5 inches of each thigh (!) and about the same from my waist, I’ve managed to drop from a metabolic age of 60 (!!) to late 30’s/early 40’s.

My weight has dropped about a stone and a half, which along with the stone and a half I lost with a liquid diet (milkshake sachets) before I joined the gym, amounts to quite a substantial loss.

I do struggle, as my trainer would tell you, with the weeks I don’t lose ‘weight’, which is mad really, especially if that same week I’ve also gained muscle and lost body fat. I think we women are indoctrinated to regard scales and what they read as the be all and end all!

Silly, really silly.

We are so much more than a number on the scales!

I have days where I want to eat nothing but carbs, sugar, chocolate, cake, I guess we all do. But I do try and stick to 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat daily. I track this using the site/app ‘My Fitness Pal’ which obligingly provides me with a visual pie chart, which makes tracking very easy.

Before:

During:

I dont have an ‘after’, because I’ve not finished yet!

I do my best usually to eat healthily and mindfully, but don’t tell me to live without my baking and my treats, i just won’t do it! It’s all about moderation, including planned treats a couple of times a week. That I CAN stick to!

Here are some lovely, recent meals:

Humous, chicken and avocado sandwich on wholemeal bread with caramelised onion chutney:

Humous on sourdough, topped with half an avocado, served with two slices of ham:

Grilled Halloumi, with spinach avocado and pomegranate:

Grilled pork chop, served with roasted cauliflower and butternut squash, topped with tahinosalata, pine nuts and pomegranate…delish!

So you see, its all about balance, no crash diets…just eat better and move more!
Oh, and be patient!

And above all, enjoy the process!

14 comments on “Should I workout today?”

Oh wow! That's fantastic. Keep up the great work. I lost a lot of weight, about 30 kg several years ago through exercise and carb free diet. I eat what I want now, but everything in moderation, and exercising regularly I think is key. I feel so guilty if I don't go to the gym.Great menu there. Delicious and healthy too.

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Thanks Michael! I always think we share similar interests when I see your tweets! :))

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Wow, you look like a different person…so much younger, prettier and fitter.Definitely great motivation to get my act together and join up on my way past a health club later today.Helen

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Thanks very much Helen 🙂 that's nice to know!

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You look fabulous Anna, I just wish I had your willpower 🙂

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Thank you Jayne! Believe me, it's persistence more than anything! Both mine and my trainers. Some weeks it feels like two steps back, one forwards.

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Well done Anna, I like both your pictures, but perhaps the second one more because you look more confident and happier with yourself. 🙂 You are an inspiration dear. xx

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Thanks KJ. I think you're right, my confidence has grown xx

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You look great, Anna; love the menu – some great, interesting and colourful food.

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You're such an inspiration! I haven't done my workout today as I had such a late start but I will now 😀

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You look fantastic Anna! You have such a healthy glow 🙂 And the food in your post looks really nourishing and delicious.I've recently stepped up my exercise routine (from maybe once-twice a week on the cross trainer, to 2-4 times a week doing Sh'Bam/Body Combat/Body Attack), and have also really noticed a difference! It's heaps of fun, challenging, and gives me heaps of energy. I've stopped worrying about the number on the scales, and just exercise for the fun of it!Keep up the good work! 🙂

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